I'm the first to admit that I don't generally think about disaster preparation. But, when I watch the weather and the
meteorologist mentions an impending hurricane or the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina rolls around, it definitely earns a place on my To-Do List.
I know I speak for most of us, who watched in horror while video crews filmed those lucky enough to escape the wrath of Mother Nature four years ago. It was heartbreaking, and the images of those who were forced to give up their pets or leave them behind are not ones that I will never forget. On a side note, the book "Not Left Behind" which benefits the Best Friends Society is a fantastic visual account of the just some of the wonderful people who went to New Orleans and the surrounding areas and the animals they rescued after Katrina--good, but sad, stuff. There have been a number of changes to laws and policies that hopefully will prevent another disaster like that one. A lot was learned from that
debacle, unfortunately at the expense of many.So on that note, we here in Ohio probably don't have to worry about hurricanes (unless you count Ike last year--how weird was that?). But, it's always a good idea to have an emergency kit which comes in handy for medical emergencies too. As far as an evacuation is concerned, you need a plan. Where will you go? How will you get there and is there room for all of your pets in your vehicle/vehicles? If you and the rest of your family aren't together at the time of evacuation, you need a place that's been established for you to meet. Motels/hotels that except animals are sometimes hard to find, but Red Roof Inns and Days Inns generally except pets. But they are franchised. So not all do. Check http://www.petswelcome.com/ for a city-by-city list. If no one is home when disaster strikes, is there a neighbor who can help? Plan this stuff beforehand and know it. Current ID and microchip are essential for all pets including cats. Collars come off. Low-cost microchipping is available at various clinics and events. Have copies of your pets' medical records, supplies of medications, food and water. Records should be in a water-proof/fire-proof box that you can grab in a hurry. Tell your family where you keep it. Have pics of your pets (don't we already?) and maybe some toys to keep them calm if things get crazy. Extra leashes, harnesses, bowls, litter, litterboxes, poop bags (you didn't think about poop did ya'?)carriers and food dishes are good to have on hand too.Ok, the emergency kit...I have one for medical emergencies that I check it every now and then to make sure nothings expired or depleted and you would want to have it available if there's an evacuation. I am a Vet. Tech so you might think some of this is overkill, but it's come in handy for me, a number of times. OK, here's a list that I've compiled. Many resources may recommend more or less, but here it is: a muzzle (injured pets may try to bite you, even if you're the love of their life), a thermal blanket, eye rinse, Benadryl (ask your Vet for a dose for your specific pets before you actually need it), a baby dosing syringe, Hydrogen Peroxide (consult your Vet. on how to induce vomiting), a card like a credit card works for removing bee stings, bandage roll, bandage tape, gauze squares, non-stick pads, scissors, tweezers, a cooling blanket or vest, alcohol (applied to the foot pads during heatstroke), a thermometer, lubricant, a penlight, a nylon slip leash, cotton swabs and balls, pedialyte, Karo syrup (for hypoglycemia) and something that can be used as a makeshift stretcher. There are pre-packaged pet emergency kits available and books on how to handle such situations as well. I found a great one at the Capital Area Humane Society called "The Pet Emergency Pocket Guide" a few years ago. You also want to have the phone number and directions to the nearest animal emergency hospital as well as the number to poison control (the ASPCA's is 888-426-4435).We may never have to implement our disaster plans and I hope we never do. But, planning ahead for your pets makes for one less thing you have to worry about in an already stressful situation. Of course, pet emergencies are something we never want to have to deal with, but they happen. I've used my kit on quite a few occasions and I haven't checked it
lately to see what I have in it and what I need. So, when I leave the shop tonight, I'm definitely moving that to the top of my list while it's on my mind. Please do the same.
